Ten years ago, LAFC was a club in the infancy of its existence. Having been founded in October 2014, there was very little expectation that they would become one of the biggest teams in the US.
But, a decade later, they find themselves competing in the Club World Cup on home soil. Their first task? Taking on Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea.
This would be a daunting challenge for many, but LAFC are a team on the rise that have received significant backing to get to their current position. They are unlikely to go down without a fight.
Getting a project off the ground requires belief from those involved that something special can be built. It became clear that LAFC had this when NBA legend Magic Johnson became part of their ownership group, and he was swiftly followed through the door by A-list actor Will Ferrell in January 2016.
Throw two-time Women’s World Cup winner Mia Hamm Garciaparra into the mix and that is quite the leadership team.
But sides are ultimately judged by what they do on the pitch. Luckily for LAFC, they have also delivered in that department since joining MLS in 2018.
Hollywood actor Will Ferrell is a co-owner at LAFC, who will face Chelsea on Monday night
NBA legend Magic Johnson (left) is also part of the ownership team at LAFC
LAFC qualified for the Club World Cup by winning a play-off against Club America
In just their second season, LAFC won the Supporters’ Shield – given to the team with the best regular season record – while ex-Arsenal star Carlos Vela earned the MVP award.
Further silverware was just around the corner as a Gareth Bale-inspired LAFC won the MLS Cup in 2022 alongside claiming another Supporters’ Shield.
LAFC then triumphed in the U.S. Open Cup last year to continue their trophy streak.
They still weren’t due to play in this summer’s tournament, but were handed a late lifeline after Mexican side Leon were kicked out due to multi-ownership rules.
LAFC went into a play-off against Club America and were heading out when they fell 1-0 behind, but a late equaliser took the game to extra time, and they ended up prevailing 2-1 to book their spot in Group D alongside Chelsea, Flamengo and Esperance Sportive de Tunis.
It has been some journey to get to this stage. Bale and Vela helped LAFC through the early days of their growth, and with celebrities watching from the sidelines and the opportunity to live in Los Angeles on offer, attracting high-profile players has never been an issue for the club.
Legendary Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini finished his career Stateside, while proven MLS goalscorer Bradley Wright-Phillips also had a brief spell at LAFC.
Now, LAFC have two former Premier League stars on their books, including an ex-Chelsea cult hero.
Former Tottenham captain Hugo Lloris will also be hoping to get one over Chelsea
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea are clear favourites but cannot take victory for granted
Olivier Giroud spent three years at Stamford Bridge between 2018 and 2021, and often produced the goods for Chelsea when they needed him most.
He won the Champions League, Europa League and FA during his time in west London, and is fondly remembered by the Chelsea faithful.
He has since won a Serie A title with AC Milan, and has now made his way over to Los Angeles.
Giroud has just five goals in 33 appearances for LAFC, but Chelsea know only too well about the threat he poses in the penalty area.
The 38-year-old is looking forward to facing his old club, but has admitted that a lot has changed since he left.
‘Everything is different,’ Giroud said about Chelsea, as quoted by The Athletic. ‘From the ownership, the manager… also people working for the club, communication, marketing, not much is staying. But hope I will see some familiar faces.’
The veteran striker is excited to see how his side match up against a Premier League giant, urging his team-mates to ‘seize the moment’.
‘For the fans it also means a lot and we can also see where MLS stands now compared to Europe,’ he added.
‘We are doing this job for these kind of games so we just need to seize the moment and to enjoy every single moment.’
At the other end of the pitch is a former Tottenham captain who will be doing everything he can to bring down Chelsea.
LAFC have had some major stars on their books over the years, including Gareth Bale and Giorgio Chiellini
Now, they will look to produce a team effort to stun Chelsea in Orlando on Monday night
Hugo Lloris, also 38, made almost 450 appearances for Spurs across 12 years, and was involved in some fascinating battles with Chelsea.
He will get to face Tottenham’s London rivals once more on Monday evening, a challenge he will relish.
With Giroud and Lloris to call upon, LAFC have two World Cup winners in their squad. By contrast, Chelsea have just one – Enzo Fernandez.
But make no mistake, Chelsea are the overwhelming favourites to win Monday’s match. It would be a major shock if they are beaten by LAFC, a team who currently sit fifth in the MLS Western Conference standings.
Still, LAFC have come a very long way in a short space of time, and with Ferrell and Johnson at the helm, they have ambitious plans.
Can they stun Maresca and Co to pick up their biggest win ever? We are just a matter of hours away from finding out.
